Capitol Hill Blue Forums Political Issues Foreign Policy & News Bomb Iran

That's the wild card, Joe. It was incredibly foolish of the Bush Administration to make that sale, when it is so painfully obvious why Israel would want them, and there is such a danger - dare I say "imminent threat" - that they will use them.

But the Bush Administration is notorious for foolishness, and I am sure, absolutely certain, that Richard B. Cheney would be gratified to see such an attack take place.

I am heartened by the election of Tzipi Livni as Israel's de facto Prime Minister, not that she is friendly towards Iran (perish the thought!), but at least she is not a seething racist like her opponent Shaul Mofaz. We can hope that political turmoil in Israel will forestall any potential attack until after the US elections.

Steve, no question about it. Also, Russia's increased involvement both military and economically with Iran only complicates an already explosive situation, especially since economic war appears to have been declared between Russia and the West. Once the nukes start to fly, it will quickly escalate worldwide.

Joe

Two other friends of Iran need to be brought to the forefront as well. It would not bode well for our economy if these two countries were pissed off at our actions.

China and India.

Boney_Taters,

Bill Maher recently quipped: "Freeedom? No, they hate us for our airstrikes." These kind of actions do tend to piss off people. China and India fall into the too formidable category stereoman noted above in reference to Iran. I believe that any conflict with China or India will begin with economic one and escalate from there. China has considerable interests, as does Russia, in Iran. I don't know the extent of India's interests.

Joe

China can knock the legs out from under us overnight.
They have in their possession over a TRILLION dollars in CASH.
And for anyone thinking that the Chinese people won't tolerate an austerity program, please remember that the Chinese have existed as a society for well over six thousand years, and as a Communist regime for half a century.
That half century has consisted of repeated cycles where the ruling regime decided that an austerity cycle was necessary and such was implemented immediately and sweeping purges and mass reeducation took place.

The Chinese government will not bat an eye at the notion of killing off a third of their population if it is necessary to institute austerity, and they will use that austerity to punish America by killing America economically.

They are skilled at LONG TERM planning. There is a five year plan for everything. It's nothing for them to set up a five year plan to undermine the US economy.

And it wouldn't take five months, but five years would give it real staying power, to insure that we never get back up again.

And the Russians aren't wimps, either.

Bump.

Changing the conventional wisdom about Iran
Just in time for the election campaign, Time Magazine informs its readers that candidate McCain's thinking on Iran is old school, and even the Bush Administration is coming around to the Obama Way of Thinking.

I never thought there was any wisdom in "conventional wisdom".

It is really a matter of reality ... they are a sovereign nation deal with them as such.

although we have about 10 days to go to election including a full week ... it would appear my earlier prediction that the current administration would generate a preemptive "October surprise" by attacking Iran and thus encourage voters that only McCain has the appropriate credentials to address such a crisis especially vis a vis the Biden remarks, to help their Republican cohort if in trouble is fast running out of time. There are no clouds (or war drums beating)on the horizon which suggest anyone is thinking of such an operation.

I believe McCain clearly has no clue nor understanding about ME politics and is more than a heartbeat away from the real world. His intractable statements should be a clue for anyone he has married himself to views which have no basis in current events.

I am not sure Obama has a complete understanding of ME politics but at least he understands the Iraq issues.

<-- now hoping the view of my colleagues will prove correct

I'll see your hope and raise you seven fervent prayers!